Orlando Pirates survived late pressure from Sekhukhune United to secure a 2-1 victory in the PSL and keep pace with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.
Pirates went ahead after just four minutes when Deon Hotto whipped in a clever ball via a freekick. The left-back, deployed on the right wing this time, fired low past a forest of legs and with the wall jumping, the ball went straight into the net.
However, the Buccaneers suffered a blow in the 17th minute when ever-present Thabiso Sesane was stretchered off. The defender, who has played every match this season, went down after a challenge and did not look good as he went off on the stretcher with Tapelo Xoki replacing him.
How were the goals scored?
Both teams then huffed and puffed but there was no further goal as they went into halftime with Jose Riveiro’s side leading 1-0.
It took Pirates just two minutes after the break to extend their lead when veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, who had another good game, headed in the second from Hotto's cross.
However, the goal sparked some life in Sekhukhune who upped their game and started making waves into the Pirates box with Sipho Mbule a menace.
The pressure paid off in the 76th minute when Linda Mntabo pulled one back after a slice of fortune. Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had saved the initial shot but the rebound found itself to Mntabo who fired home.
Babina Noko apply pressure
From there, Babina Noko maintained their pressure and Chaine was forced into a great save in the 83rd minute to keep the scores 2-1 in his team’s favour, while Patrick Maswanganyi should have made the points safe two minutes from time when he got in on goal but failed to find the target.
It is, however, a good result for Riveiro’s team who ensured the gap between them and Sundowns remained six points as they now have 33 to the Brazilians’ 39 with a game in hand.
With Sundowns winning the Tshwane derby, following a 3-0 over local rivals SuperSport United, the two sides will meet on Saturday February 8 high on confidence.
